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How to Teach ESL to Toddlers

In many homes throughout the United States, families speak a language other than English as their primary language, whether it's because the family recently emigrated or they want to uphold their ancestry. No matter what language toddlers speak at home, they will need to learn to speak English to effectively communicate with the general population. Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to toddlers in not as difficult as one may think, because at this age, children are not yet proficient in their native language.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read books written in English to children. The books should contain simple text and colorful pictures. While reading, point to the pictures and say what the pictures illustrate. For example, say the word "cat" and point to a picture of a cat. Ask children to repeat the English word after you say it. Say the name of an object or an adjective in English and have children point out the picture of the item. For example, ask children to point to something red on a page.

    • 2

      Sing songs to teach basic English words. For example, try a song about the days of the week or the months of the year with children to teach them the names of the days of the week or the months of the year. For example, sing this song to the tune of "Oh My Darling, Clementine."

      "Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

      Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

      Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

      Thursday, Friday, Saturday."

      Sing the song in the children's native language first, followed by an English version of the song.

    • 3

      Print out pictures of different objects and attach them to index cards. Spread the objects on a flat surface. Say the name of a specific object and have children find the picture that illustrates the object.

    • 4

      Play a game of "eye-spy." Provide basic English clues, which children can use to find the object you are describing.

    • 5

      Create a fishing game to teach children English words. Print pictures of basic objects on pieces of construction paper. Insert paperclips through the pieces of construction paper and place them on the floor. Attach a magnet to a piece of string and tie the string to the end of a ruler. State the name of an object illustrated on the construction paper and encourage children to fish for the picture of the item using their magnetic fishing rod.

    • 6

      Use English words as often as possible. Use English words when performing different activities, such as hand-washing or eating. The more children are exposed to English words, the easier it will be for them to learn the language.

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